Engineer v. English -- writing for all subjects.

In the reading by Johnson, Clark and Burton -- I have to say it was an interesting thought to stop and think of the person on the other side of the writing workshop table. I often go in for help on papers and find myself intimidated and in need of dire help for my pathetic paper, however I never stop and think about the mess of ideas I'm about to unload on the tutor sitting next to me and how they're going to approach helping me.

It was interesting to hear a more narrative approach looking at how the tutors feel nervous sometimes ... I can't imagine the shock and terror level of being approached by a stampede of engineer super nerds asking for my help. Oh, the terror.

The authors even write on the first page of the article, "She wonders if she will even be able to understand the intricate, jar-gon-laden draft. Then she takes a deep breath, knowing that these students are looking to her for help, and starts asking questions." In order to express the sheer intimidation factor felt by the writing lab attendant.

It continues on the explain the positive and negative methods used by writing tutors in approaching student papers. It encouraged empathy and suggesting instead of holding education or experience above students' heads. I have to say that though it's nice to dream of walking into the lab with a semi-blank page and having the tutor fill it with genius for me, I probably am learning more by their cooperation to listen to my ideas and work alongside me.

In the reading from the article by  Winsor, the topic of egineering writing is again addressed. I think engineering is used over and over again because it's the perfect opposite to English, and the subject appears to almost be the total antithesis to writing itself.

The text reads in one of the formost paragraphs on the second page, "Textual mediation of knowledge is difficult for engineers to accept because they see themselves as working directly on physical objects."

Although I'm not an engineer I understand this application, because as a journalist it's difficult for me to imagine writing without the usage of strong sources of research. I work with people, and I tell their stories. That's my job as I've been taught in the Scripps School of Journalism, here at OU. Ask me to sit and write an in depth five page paper on the topic of journalism writing, and you'll find me out on the streets asking others what they think. I've been taught to maintain a high level of unbiased behavior.

However, a little rhetorical writing and thought process behind specifically why I form into words which thoughts I choose to jot down can greatly aid my skills as a journalists. I could meet the most interesting source in the world, but if I can't express or tell their story in a means pleasing to reader's ears or eyes -- the source's story is better off remaining untold.

As for the final article, Wardle's piece specifically deals again with writing for your specific profession -- however, she keeps the field open and writes a general piece detailing writing in your profession.

She also delves into the story of Alan, and how he got the boost of responsibility he wanted at work through usage of strong writing. The narrative form Wardle uses to step-by-step layout the thought process of Alan working his writing skills in his departments helped me see how written word can give any worker a stronger voice if thought out and used carefully.

From the very simple tasks of using the Listerves properly in order to send email as the company expected and beyond, Alan was able to perform his duties to the maximum as well as amp up his own personal needs.


My sorority Chi Omega has a listerve which the girls and I rely on daily to keep us up to speed regarding meetings, rules, happenings and even campus opportunities we would have missed out on had they not been filtered through to us by one of our fellow sisters. These emails are often profession and often personal -- both format well because one can email specifically to the group, the cardinal cabinet or even just one person in charge. By being able to connect digitally we stay connected with even the busiest of senior girls, who still involves herself in the sorority without ever having to set foot in our house.

I guess the tip-top lesson I walked away from these three articles with is that writing doesn't have to stay within the context of research papers or English classrooms. Writing follows every profession -- I know my dad who is a CEO of a national sporting goods company even said once that a good writer can go anywhere ... despite his or her chosen field.